The Top Five Most Popular Dog Breeds

Between the year 1915 and 1940, the American Kennel Club gave statistics on dogs on a five-year basis instead of yearly. According to these records from 1905 to 1935, the Boston Terrier consistently ranked first or second. In 1925, the German Shepherd replaced the Boston Terrier as the most popular dog. The American Cocker Spaniels led the way from 1936 to 1952, when it was displaced by the Beagle. The Beagle held the position until 1959. Poodles eventually became the most popular dog breed for the longest period, reigning from 1960 through 1982, when the American Cocker Spaniels re-took the position until 1990.

The Labrador Retriever maintained the position of most popular dog breed for the 22nd year in a row in America since 1999 to 2012, ranked according to the annual reports in America by the AKC (American Kennel Club). Compiled below is a list of the top five most popular dog breeds gotten from the recent records.

Rankings are based on the AKC registration statistics

1. Labrador Retriever

In the past, the Labrador was bred to be a useful working dog breed and a friendly companion. Historically, this dog breed can serve as a fisherman’s helper by assisting in activities like fetching ropes, hauling nets, and retrieving fish from the North Atlantic. The present-day Labrador Retriever is also as hard-working and good-natured as early species and is currently America’s most popular breed. The Labrador currently works for hunters as a retriever, as an assistance dog for the physically challenged, search and rescue dog, and show competitor.

2. German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd is known as one of the most popular dog breeds in America for good reason. Which is been a capable working and intelligent dog with devotion and courage that is unmatched. And amazingly versatile, excelling in almost anything he/she is trained to do some of which include guide and assistance for the physically challenged, herding, search and rescue, police and military service, and drug detection. This dog can also be breed to be a faithful companion.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a friendly dog with a tolerant attitude. Possessing unmatched intelligence that makes him/her a capable working dog. Golden Retrievers perform very well working for hunters, tracking drugs, and as assistance and therapy dogs. They are natural athletes and perform very well in dog sports including agility and competitive obedience.

4. Beagle

Known as small, compact, and hardy dogs, Beagles are active companions. But being hounds, Beagles can be stubborn and usually require patient, creative training methods. Their noses guide them, and nothing makes them happier than following an interesting scent. Beagles were originally bred as scent hounds to track small game, especially hare and rabbits. They are still used for this same purpose presently in several countries, including the U.S.

5. Bull Dogs

Bulldogs were originally used to compete in bloody sport (called bull baiting) and to drive cattle to market. Today, they are gentle companions that love kids.